A creepy, gripping and visceral story that is so timely and poignant. I really enjoyed this one and cannot wait to talk about it with my peers!

Horror rooted in colonialism always slaps for me. If you're a fan of the adventure horror genre, where a bunch of dumb white people go to some far-off location with zero respect for local folklore and beliefs and get unalived for their troubles, this is the book for you. Rin Chupeco's grasp of evoking a creepy, spine-tingling, absolutely unsettling atmosphere remains unparalleled.

However, one star docked because the island where the novel takes place is located in Leyte where the language spoken is Waray or Binisaya, and for some reason the language used by the Filipino characters is Tagalog - couldn't let that one go.

The small, uninhabited island of Kisapmata in the Philippines is known to the locals to be the home of the god, Diwata. Diwata controls the island and it is believed that he will awaken after eight sacrifices. Locals stay away from the island except for local caretaker, Alon. Everything is about to change though as a Hollywood documentary crew has bought their way onto Kisapmata. The crew members each have a different motivation for being on the island, but Diwata knows their true purpose. Alon tries to keep those who are innocent safe and warn away those that the Diwata deems worthy of sacrifice.

The Sacrifice is a young adult thriller that jumps right into the action and doesn't let up. I was drawn into the story as Diwata immediately shows power by moving plants around, manifesting people from the production crew's lives and showing them exactly what they came for, including corpse trees. The mystery builds as we learn the history of the island with stolen treasure, deaths, sacrifices, cults and local lore. Alon's character was amazing and a mystery himself. I was intrigued by his communication with Diwata and his acceptance on the island. I loved that he and Chase formed a connection and that Diwata was interested in it. Throughout the entire story there was a constant feeling of 'what's next?' and 'that can't be good!' that kept me in suspense. Overall, a great blend of Philippine folklore, suspense and horror.

This book was received for free in return for an honest review.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with this egalley ahead pf publication.

Chupeco builds an eerie, spine-chilling mystery that leaves the most startling bread crumbs for the reader to follow. The structure was awesome. I loved the writing.

Alon and Askal are excellent protagonists as they try to guide the production crew of this exploratory documentary series away from danger and mayhem in the island of Kisapmata. Chase wasn't quite as diverting as either of them. I waited for him to rise to their level in terms of characterization and he doesn't. Consequently, the quasi relationship that allegedly formed between him and Alon was a non-starter for me personally. In fact, the whole thing with Chase and his dad flopped for me, but I think that's a matter of personal taste.

In any event, the final reveal was totally cool. The story was creepy and horrifying. Just the right amount of body horror. Four stars!

A haunted island demanding sacrifices, a Hollywood TV crew ready to exploit anyone for a dime (retreading Colonialism), and a cast of characters that are enjoyable to read about? Sign me up! THE SACRIFICE has a "Strangers Things" quality going on, especially when it comes to the mystery of the island and the people connections throughout. It has consistent pacing, but it does read somewhat slower than I would have expected for most of the the book. But that gives Rin Chupeco the platform to really hit us with the East Asian folklore, mythology, and horror of this story. This is quintessential "F around and find out" and, well, these people F'd around and found out! The island itself is such a cool setting and Chupeco really sets the scene wonderfully and as spookily as possible!

The Ruins meets Stranger Things is exactly what this book is!

I thoroughly creeped myself out reading this and then staring too long at all the trees in my backyard! I really loved the setting of a deserted island in the Philippines and the tour guide who kept saying nothing but "bad things are going to happen --leave now"

Excellent spookiness, a great dog character, a non-binary character, an excellent cover and an ominous ending.

Definitely check The Sacrifice out!

We have an island with a legendary sleeping God who requires 8 sacrifices in order to awake. Enter a Hollywood film crew who want to film a documentary type TV show of the island's lore and history. Have I mentioned that there was a cult on this island and a plane crash nearby? The cult that killed a pregnant woman for one of the sacrifices. Yep. Only one of the locals agree to help the crew as a guide, no one else would set foot on it. The crew arrives and stuff starts happening right from the start. Like, a dead body in a tree type of stuff.
The characters, wow. They were incredible. Almost all of them despicable human beings but so excellently written. And with complexity as well. Because, see, a majority of them were not truly evil. They were just people who did bad things. Basically, the environment is what made them. But being on this island, coming face to face with their sins, most of them show conscience and repent. The contrast was also so fascinating:one one hand the locals who do not really care for money, and the film crew on the other hand, to whom money is everything. They buy their way on the island, expect to buy the locals. And then they come across something they cannot buy their way from.
This is a horror book but I didn't find it particularly scary though. Maybe that's just me, I don't know. Also, the pacing slowed down towards the end. Oh, and the ending is not my favorite type, I like solid endings, not open ones.
But you should definitely read it for the characters, the writing, the culture and the representation (LGBTQIA+).
Thank you to NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

The Sacrifice by Rin Chupeco. Sourcebooks, 2022.
Thank you Sourcebooks for providing an e-book through NetGalley, as well as an ARC paperback through the Youth Services Book Review sites, run by Massachusetts Librarians. All of my opinions are my own.

Rating: 1-5 (5 is an excellent or a Starred review) 5
Format: ARC Paperback and NetGalley E-book.
Genre: Horror

Synopsis
Kisapmata. A beautiful island in the Philipines full of legend, danger, and horrors. The natives refuse to talk about it, and they definitely won’t go near it. But that doesn’t stop a Hollywood crew from setting up film equipment on the paradisal island. Hoping to create the next big hit, the crew’s goal is to film the island’s mysterious legends, especially about the sleeping god who needs eight sacrifices to awaken. The one native that decided to venture with the crew is Alon, a nonbinary Philippine eighteen-year-old who holds more secrets than they let on. Told from their perspective, Alon watches as the Hollywood crew stumbles deeper into hostile territory, uncovering ancient lore meant to be hidden. When a sinkhole appears in the middle of the camp, revealing a twisted corpse entwined with a balete tree, the true horror of the island finally reveals itself. Can the crew escape the wrath of an ancient god, or have they already sealed their fates? Only Alon knows.

What did you like about the book?
The Sacrifice is a chilling horror novel, set against the backdrop of Philippine lore and legends. Alon is a secretive protagonist, not necessarily lying to the audience, but obviously hiding crucial information, both to the Hollywood crew and to the readers. It’s an interesting perspective because you see these non-native, money-focused Westerners slowly begin to understand the great danger they have intruded upon, and their true characters begin to surface. Alon develops different relationships with each crew member, especially with another teenager with Chase, who develops feelings for Alon. Rin Chupeco’s newest story is horrifying as it is riveting, as you will not put the book down until you know each character’s fate.

Anything you didn’t like about it? No.

Personal Bias? No. Even though I love the genre, horror is either well done, corny/trope-y, or bad. Luckily, this falls in the first category.

To whom would you recommend this book? Anyone who likes supernatural horror, and secretive narrators. It is similar to the adult book Annihilation by Jeff VanderMeer, but set in the Philippines and for teenagers, or similar to any horror movie where the investigative TV crew gets more than what they’ve bargained for (like in Grave Encounters, 2011). For high schools and public libraries.

Laila Carter, Cheltenham Township Library System, PA
Today’s Date: September 11, 2022
Publication of Review:
May 13th, 2022 (YSBR website)
October 7th, 2022 (Stories Steeped in Magic, Blog to be up 9/12/2022)

I don't even know where to start with this book because everything about it was magical. I read it in one sitting. This book is the definition of "colonizers fuck around and find out' plus its GAYYY!!! Rin Chupeco is such a master storyteller and I will read everything she writes.

This was a fantastic book! Absolutely creepy in parts, it’s a definite page-turner that will keep readers guessing. The reveal at the end was surprising and incredibly satisfying. Highly recommend!

I loved this, honestly. I chose this one because I was in the mood for archeological horror, which this seemed to be based on the description, so it was a wonderful surprise that it also turned out to be Lovecraftian! For those into comparisons to help them choose what to read next, The Sacrifice is a bit like The Ruins meets At the Mountains of Madness. Existential dread and gore.

The only reason I'm giving this book 4 stars instead of 5 is that, while Rin Chupeco is a good writer, I found myself confused at times by descriptions, or lack of descriptions. The plot moves along quickly and the story is overall a quick read so I wish that there was just a bit more fleshed out in some of the chapters, especially near the end. And that is my other reason for removing a star - it ends quite abruptly.

But I experienced some good scares and decent writing, so in the end I'm happy! If you're looking for some cosmic horror (especially some that's not quite so white), you won't be disappointed with this one.

Dark but not too much so. Just the right amount of creepy. Absolutely love everything this author writes! The twist caught me off guard and was well written.

Thanks to Sourcebooks Fire and Netgalley for the advanced copy. Below is my honest review.

I was really in the mood for a good horror novel, and this one fit the bill.

Deep in the wilds of the Philippines lies a mysterious island, said to be cursed and home to a god, waiting for sacrifices to awaken and remake the world. Young Alon and their dog are the only locals willing to step foot on this island, full of things seen only out of the corner of the eye, so when a film crew swoops in to make a documentary of the sordid history of strange occurrences and deaths, Alon steps in to help guide them in an attempt to quell the spirits of the island's desires. Thing is, not everyone who came along is there to be respectful, and inner demons will clash with outer ones in this dark tale of secrets and judgment.

Also really liked the multiple forms of representation in this book. It was really well done.

I just wanted a little bit more, so four and a half stars, rounded to four.

Definitely still impressed with this one, and absolutely want to pick up more of this author's works.

Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks for letting me read this arc early in exchange for my honest review.

I had so much fun reading this book. It started off a bit slow for me but it was incredible, immersive and spooky when it did start picking up the pace. The characters were so endearing, even the ones I hated. I loved how the story unfolded and the Filipino/East Asian folklore and language featured throughout really helped me feel even more connected to the story. I fully plan to read everything from this author from now on.

If you’re looking for an immersive, supernatural horror with East Asian folklore, a tropical setting, ghosts, gifs and a queer romance… I highly recommend The Sacrifice.

Thank you, NetGalley and Sourcebooks for providing me with a digital arc of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Chupeco’s The Sacrifice is a strongly written YA horror novel providing a commentary on the effects of colonialism and commercialized Westernization (enforced via Hollywood film crews) preying on and exposing indigenous cultures and practices. However, this time, an ancient legend is doing its part to help fight back.

In what feels like an homage to the “found footage” cinematic technique, readers follow local teen Alon and the film crew to the island of Kisapmata that many Philippine locals refuse to step foot on. Chupeco paints a clear contrast between the immediate and noticeable beauty of the island and the dark occurrences on the island. Overall, the characters were great and the narrative is wonderfully written

My only critique is that at times the plot moves very slow. However, it can be argued this helped to build the tension up for a gratifying denouement! I haven’t read other works by this author, but I want to check out their other works ASAP.

I learned 2 things about myself having read this book:
1. Rin Chupeco is one of my new favorite authors
2. The isolated island horror trope is now a favorite of mine as well.

This was a really enjoyable read. The author kept up the tension, mystery and creep factor throughout the whole book and even managed to put a couple great twists in there too.

The characters weren't incredibly deep, but, the reader is given just enough detail to understand everyone's motivation for being on that island. And the paranormal force which drives the story, leaves you questioning what it truly is and what it wants up until the very end.

A great creepy read! I look forward to reading more from this author! 5⭐️

This book is categorized as horror and I know horror is a subjective feeling, but the reason why this book doesn't feel like a horror book to me is because of the lack of tension in the narrative and writing style. No one has any personality among all of these people in the island and the reveals and sightings and overall weird shits happening are so bland and just there. I am so disappointed because I have hyped this book so much in my head because of the beautiful cover and the very interesting premise. However, I could care less for the actual writing and narration.

3.5 rounded up to 4.
Pristine beaches, lush greenery, and perfect weather, the island of Kisapmata would be the vacation destination...if not for the curse. The Filipino locals speak of it in hushed voices and refuse to step foot on the island. They know the lives it has claimed. They won't be next.

A Hollywood film crew won't be dissuaded. Legend claims a Dreamer god sleeps, waiting to grant unimaginable powers in exchange for eight sacrifices. The producers are determined to document the evidence. And they convince Alon, a local teen, to be their guide.

Within minutes of their arrival, a giant sinkhole appears, revealing a giant balete tree with a mummified corpse entwined in its gnarled branches. And the crew start seeing strange visions. Alon knows they are falling victim to the island's curse. If Alon can't convince them to leave, there is no telling who will survive. Or how much the Dreamer god will destroy...

Chupeco has a really distinctive style and creates interesting and intriguing characters that are hard not to either love or hate and The Sacrifice is full of many of these. The storyline is full of mystery and tension and kept me guessing what was going to happen next… but more importantly… who would be next!

I really enjoy the way Chupeco uses traditional culture, history and mythology in her writing to add a sense of realism to her spooky tales and it’s fun learning new things about cultures I normally wouldn’t be exposed to.

My only qualm with The Sacrifice is that the plot kind of dragged towards the end and I would have liked a snappier, more impactful ending. Overall though, very enjoyable.

A legendary island notorious for curses and missing people and human sacrifices becomes the set for a Hollywood film crew in this tale of you-dumb-people-shoulda-left-well-enough-alone. Mysterious local, teenage Alon, becomes the guide for the documentary team, which is headed up by their fearless leader, a reality show survivalist who is hell-bent on making a comeback. Or is there more to it than that? Everyone is a bit more, or a lot more on this island where mysterious things breathe and move and won't stay dead ...or were never really alive...if they were ever really there at all? I loved the setting and the atmosphere of this story, which I thought was thrillingly original. The nonbinary Alon was aloof and enigmatic, and very, very cool, and if I was looking for some YA horror, I would have loved this. But I wasn't, and i didn't realize that's... sort of what this story is. is. If that's your thing, you'll dig this.

Having read previous novels from the author I was looking forward to this new one and I was not disappointed at all, I breezed through it and thoroughly enjoyed it.

The Sacrifice was fast paced, thrilling and had a lot of suspense moments in there. An amazing read that kept me questioning my thoughts and will make you want to keep reading. The premise was different that what I go for but it was a nice change.

Starting off a Hollywood film crew are making a documentary about a cursed island in the Philippines, we are introduced to the care taker of the Island - Alon who will also be their tour guide for their time there on the island. He does warn them about the island and it will end very badly for them if they go ahead but our film crew swipe the warnings under the carpet and only care about fame, money and their reputation’.

Run Chupeco did an amazing job entwining mythology, Filipino culture as well as Cultural appropriation and other amazing aspects in the novel which is eye opening to the readers. The book was so very creepy and kept me engaged throughout my whole read. It had a good amount of gore in which I like. Overall a great read and I couldn’t recommend it enough. I am looking forward to other novels the author will bring out in the near future.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for my copy in exchange of an honest review.